Amazon launches Maps API for Kindle Fire HD

In addition to sneaking out a Maps API, Nokia confirms its powering Kindle maps

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No Google maps on this Android tablet

When Amazon announced the new Kindle Fire HD earlier this month, it also snuck out a new mobile Amazon Maps API for developers.

Now Amazon is drawing attention to its new mobile maps API to explain some of the features and benefits of using Amazon Maps to create apps.

The Amazon Maps API allows developers to embed interactive maps directly into their apps, allowing users to pan, zoom, and move about at will. The in-app maps can pull from a user's current location, and swap between satellite and standard map views.

Developers can also put their own custom markers on the maps, allowing a business to place pins for all of its locations right in its own Android app.

Amazon maps, via Nokia

While the move lessens Amazon's reliance on Google, the API is not based on any proprietary mapping service from the online retail giant.

However, it wasn't until Monday that Nokia confirmed it was indeed licensing its Location Platform to Amazon.

"Amazon is licensing the Nokia Location Platform (NLP) for maps and geocoding," said Sebastian Kurme, a spokesperson for Nokia's Communications, Location & Commerce business units, in a message to The Next Web.